It's been a busy week for the Kentucky Wildcats. First, star forward and National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe made his decision to return to the program next year in an effort to improve his NBA Draft stock. That wasn't the biggest news to come out of Kentucky. Freshman Shaedon Sharpe made a huge NBA Draft decision shortly after Tshiebwe's announcement. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Jeff Goodman of ESPN have the latest.
Sharpe has declared for the NBA Draft. It's pretty shocking that the 18-year-old Sharpe, who has mysteriously never played a minute of action in the NCAA, is entering the draft and Tshiebwe, who would have every reason to shoot for the NBA, isn't.
However, such is the talent level of Sharpe, who many expect to be a lottery pick in the draft. The 6-foot-6 guard, who played high school basketball in Arizona, will turn 19 on May 30, meaning he will meet the age requirements for the draft.
While Tshiebwe is returning to Kentucky to “better his draft stock”, it seems like Sharpe is taking the opposite approach and not risking a hit to his already-adequate perception among scouts.
While playing for the Nike EYBL circuit in 2021, Sharpe averaged 22.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
The 2022 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin on June 23.